Sharks end unwanted finals run to set up Penrith clash

SNAPSHOT OF THE FIRST NRL SEMI-FINAL

Result: Cronulla Sharks bt North Queensland Cowboys 26-18 in front of 19,124 fans at Allianz Stadium on Friday 20 September.

Key moment: Ronaldo Mulitalo hounded after a Nicho Hynes bomb 15 minutes in and his impressive aerial bat-back found its way to Cameron McInnes. The Cronulla skipper ran in to extend the Sharks' lead to 12-0 at that point and leave the Cowboys with a mountain to climb.

The stat: After years of ridicule and in a week where Hynes's big-game credentials came under scrutiny, the Sharks ended their horrendous finals record, claiming their first post-season win in eight attempts.

Injury watch: A sad end for Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt and centre Valentine Holmes, who limped out of the second half with injuries. England-bound Feldt will always be remembered as the man whose late try played a key role in their maiden premiership win. Holmes is due to join the Dragons next season.

What's next? The Cowboys' season is over but Cronulla march onto a preliminary final, the club's first since the 2018, where they will face Penrith on Saturday at Accor Stadium.